Henry T. Smart (PHH 233) composed REX GLORIAE for this text; the hymn was published in the 1868 Appendix to Hymns Ancient and Modern. Stanley L. Osborne (PHH 395) suggests that Smart initially intended REX GLORIAE as a tune for children. Derived from the topic of Wordsworth's text, the tune's name means “King of Glory.”

A festive tune, REX GLORIAE is in rounded bar form (AABA). Sing in unison and use vigorous accompaniment bordering on marcato.

--Psalter Hymnal Handbook